Act I, Scene 1
1. How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus?
Hippolyta believes that the four days will pass quickly with little trouble, but Theseus thinks it will seem longer.
2. Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do?
He brings his daughter to Theseus, in hope that he will be able to force her into marrying Demetrius. Egeus expects him to give him the power to kill his daughter if she doesn't marry Demetrius.
3. What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia?
According to Egeus and Theseus, the proper for a woman is to marry a wealthy man, whether she loves him or not.
4. How does Lysander’s comment about Demetrius’s previous love affair with Helena complicate things?
It complicates things by proving that Demetrius and Hermia are not in love, which in the end makes Egeus realize that neither of them will be happy.
5. What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? Why do they tell Helena?
They plan to run away from Athens and get married. They tell Helena because with Hermia gone, she may have another chance with Demetrius.
6. Even though Helena loves Demetrius and is Hermia’s best friend, why does she decide to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander’s plans?
She does this with the idea that he may replenish his love for her, simply out of gratitude.
7. Identify Hermia’s basic dilemma. What are the choices outlined for her by Theseus and her father? What other choice does Lysander suggest?
Egeus and Theseus both want Hermia marry Demetrius. As she strongly objects to this, they give her two equally unappealing choices; becoming a nun, killing her, or marrying Demetrius. Running away to get married.
Act I, Scene 2
8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?
He belives that he is the worlds greatest actor and that he needs to play all the parts to make the show worth while.
9. In what way is this scene funny? Why do you suppose Shakespeare included this scene?
Because Bottom thinks he is too good and will scare the women, I think Shakespeare is poking fun at theatre.
10. Where are the actors to meet the following night? Who else is meeting there at the same time?
In the forest, to practise the play so no one will copy them.
11. How would you describe Bottom’s acting ability? What is Bottom’s own opinion of his acting ability? Obnoxious, amazing.
Act ll Scene l
10. What does the reader find out about the current relationship between Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, from Puck and the first fairy?
That the King and The Queen have been arguing and it's best to keep them apart.
11. How have Oberon and Titania been involved in the past with Theseus and Hippolyta; why have they come to Athens?
Oberon and Titania both accuse each other of having affairs with both Hippolyta and Theseus and they have come to Athens to go to the Duke's wedding
12. What effect has their quarrel had on nature, on the seasons, on humans?
All of the seasons have been messed up and and there have been floods, which lead to starvation.
13. Why won’t Titania give up the changeling to Oberon?
Because her mother was a servant and became really close with Oberon, she also promised to take care of the child, and will not let the baby fall into Oberons hands.
14. What does Oberon send Puck to find?
He sends puck to find a flower which was hit with a cupids arrow and that will put on a persons eyes, it will make the person fall in love with the next person they see. Puck says he can girdle the whole world in 40 minutes.
15. What are Oberon’s plans for Titania?
Oberon plans to put some flower juice on Titanias eyes, and make her fall in love with a vile beast, this is Oberons revenge.
16. How does Helena react to Demetrius’s verbal abuse?
She doesn't react to it, she says D- I am sick when I look at thee! H-I am sick when I look not on you.
17. What is her response to his threats of physical abuse?
When he says that she is all alone, she says she is not because he is there with her and he is her world so everyone is there with her and it doesnt matter, she wants it to happen, she is in love.
18. In what way is Helena’s behaviour inappropriate for Athenian women?
She did not listen to Demetius, who is a man and in Athens women had to listen to the men.
19. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about Demetrius and Helena?
He tells him to put the juice from the flower in Demetrius' eyes so he will fall as in love with Helena as she is with him. Oberin pities Helena.
Act II, Scene 2
20. Why does Oberon want Titania to wake and fall in love with some vile thing?
It is a form of revenge. He is mad at her so he wants bad things to happen to her. Oberon also thinks it will be humorous.
21. Why does Hermia insist Lysander sleep a little ways from her?
She insists he sleep a little wqays of because she wants to keep her virtue as they are not married yet, and she does not trust Lysander as of now.
22. Why does Puck anoint Lysander’s eyes?
He thinks that Lysander is Demetrius because Oberon only described him as the "Athenian youth". He was carrying out his orders but made a simple mistake. He thought he was doing he right thing.
23. How does Helena react to Lysander’s sudden love for her when he awakens?
She thinks he is playing a cruel joke on her. She says that she is already saddened by how unwanted she is by Demetrius, and now she has to be on the receiving end of his cruel hummor. She says that she thought he was a better person, but she does not know he is dead serious.
24. How is Hermia’s dream a reflection of reality?
She dreams that a serpent is eating her heart and Lysander is just cruelly watching. This is a refletion of reality because Lysander does not love her.
Act lll, Scene 1
25. How are the actors going to keep from scaring the ladies when Pyramus kills himself or when the lion roars?
They are going to write a prologue saying that Pyarmus is really bottom and the lion is really human by making it clear that his face is shown through his mask.
26. How are the actors going to manage the setting/scenery such as the moonlight and the wall?
They are going to open a window having the moonlight shine through. If that fails they will have someone will stand with a latern that will represent the moon.
Puck has a donkeys head on his head which frightens people.
27. Why do the rest of the actors run off when Bottom reappears?
Puck has a donkeys head on his head which frightens people.
28. What does Puck plan to do when he follows after the other actors?
To follow them around and scare them.
29. How does Bottom react to Titania and the other fairies?
He is suprised that Titania still loves him after all the actors ran from his sight.
Because it not only applies to the fact that Titania seems to love him after seeing him for a second, and not knowing him, but it also applies to what happened with Hermia and Lysander. How he just she changed from loving Hermia to loving Helena in one second.
30. Bottom says, "…reason and love keep little company together nowadays." Why is this such an apt statement at this point in the play?
Because it not only applies to the fact that Titania seems to love him after seeing him for a second, and not knowing him, but it also applies to what happened with Hermia and Lysander. How he just she changed from loving Hermia to loving Helena in one second.
Act III, Scene 2
31. What does Hermia accuse Demetrius of doing?
She accuses him of killing Lysander in spite.
32. How are Puck and Oberon going to correct Puck’s earlier mistake?
They are going to put the love juice on Lysander's eyes so he will fall back in love with Hermia.
33. Why is Helena upset when Demetrius says he loves her? Isn’t this what she had wanted all along?
She thinks that there has been nothing that could have influenced Demetrius to love her, so he must just be playing a mean joke on her. It is what she wanted but not in this way.
34. Of what does Helena accuse Hermia?
Helena accuses Hermia of joining the men in mocking her. She thinks Hermia is part of this "Grand Scheme"
35. How close had Hermia and Helena been in the past?
They were best friends and were very close. Now Hermia thinks that Helena is a bad person and so does Helena.
36. How does Lysander treat Hermia? Why can’t she believe what he says?
He treats her like crap, says that he hates her and calls her rude names about her stature. She cannot believe what he says because she thinks nothing has happened that could make hre trust him.
37. Of what does Hermia accuse Helena?
She accuses her of stealing Lysander from her.
38. Why is Helena afraid of Hermia?
She is a coward and does not want to fight Hermia. Even though she is bigger.
39. What are Lysander and Demetrius going off to do?
they are going off to fight each other for Helena. Because of their new love for her.
40. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about the two young men?
He tells Puck to lure the men to a certain spot by pretending to be the other man.
41. What is Oberon going to do about Titania?
He is going to ask for the boy a final time and then change her back to normal by putting the love juice an her eyes again.
42. Why doesn’t Oberon fear the coming of day?
He and Titania are different fairies that still have their powers during the day.
43. How well does Puck’s trickery work?
Very well, he successfully leads the mortals around and puts things pack to normal.
Act lV Scene 1
44. How has Bottom adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies?
Bottom was confused at the idea of the Fairies loving him, but now he is going to milk it and enjoy telling them what to do.
45. What is Oberon’s reaction to Titania’s infatuation with Bottom?
Oberon feels sorry for her, and he feels guilty, since bottom is an ugly donkey. Oberon thought it was funny at first, but now he decided he wants to cure her. Only after he has the Indian boy in his possession.
46. What sort of explanation will Oberon make to Titania’s question about what happened to her?
When Titania starts asking questions about what happened to her, Oberon doesn't really give an answer, he avoids the questions, because he hopes she assumes it was a dream.
47. Why are Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, and the others out in the woods so early in the morning?
Theseus, Hippolyta, and Egeus, and the other people are out in the woods so early, because they are hunting, with their dogs. It is the day of Hippolyta, and Theseus's wedding, so they had to leave early.
48. What is Theseus’s first explanation of why the young people are asleep in the woods?
Theseus thinks the young people are asleep in the woods, because he thinks they woke up early to celebrate May day, and came to the forest for celebrating, because they heard he would be there.
49. What explanation does Demetrius make? Why does he compare his love for Hermia to an illness?
Demetrius explains that he is now in love with Helena, and not Hermia. Demetrius compares his love to Hermia to the example of an illness because loving her was like one, you eventually get over it, now that he loves Hermia he probably thinks it was a dark, and dull time. Basically something he was happy to get over with like any sickness.
50. What is Theseus’s decision concerning the four young people?
Theseus decides to override Egeus's wishes, by letting the four lovers get married to the people they want to get married to, that day at the same time as his, and Hippolyta's wedding.
51. Why can’t the young people be sure whether they are awake or dreaming?
They are not sure if they are awake, or if they are dreaming, because of all the crazy things that happened the night before, and before that, and how smoothly it is all working out now.
52. Bottom believes he too has had a dream. How is he going to use that to entertain the Duke?
Bottom is going to entertain the duke, by singing a song for him called Bottom's Dream. Bottom decides hes going to sing it for him either during the intermission, or after one of the important characters die.
Act lV, Scene 2
53. What opinion do the other artisans now have of Bottom since they think he is lost?
They are now really sad, they say he was a great actor and that 6 pence a day was what he deserved. They are crying.
54. What do they most regret losing by not being able to perform the play?
That they would have been payed so well, and that Bottom deserved to play for the Duke.
55. Why must the artisans hurry to the Duke’s palace?
He has already dined and it is almost time for the entertainment, and they haven't even gotten their costumes together.
Extending the thought process.
a) The fourth act opens and ends with Bottom at center stage. What is your opinion of Bottom’s character? How might he be the antithesis, or opposite, of Theseus’s character?
Theseus is great, he is the Duke of athens he is calm and doesn't want alot of attention. As Bottom is a low class attetion lover who wants to be heard by everyone.
b) How do most of the dreamers respond to the dream experience upon waking? Which character is changed permanently by the dream experience?
Most of the dreamers, barley remember it as a dream, and remembered it more as reality. Bottom was changed by the dream expeirence.
c) In this act, several characters look back at prior infatuations with disbelief. What do you think Shakespeare is saying about love and infatuation?
Shakespeare is saying that love is like a rollercoaster sometimes it doesnt feel like it is worth fighting for, but it reall is.
Act V
56. Why does Theseus dismiss the stories of the four young people?
He dismisses the story of the young people because he thinks that it's just a dream.
57. Why does Theseus choose to see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe rather than the other entertainments?
Theseus choses to see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe because he thinks that if someone does alot of work on something..shouldn't it be worth soemthing?
58. Why does Philostrate try to keep Theseus from seeing the play? What does he say is wrong with it?
Philostrate tries to keep Theseus from seeing the play because he says it's not good at all. They actors are just mere workers in Athens and aren't talented at all. It would be a waste of time to watch it.
59. What does Theseus mean by the lines, "For never anything can be amiss, when simpleness and duty tender it"?
It means that nothing can be wrong if you worked hard for it.
60. What is accomplished by having the Prologue tell the whole story that the actors are then going to enact?
Nothing is really accomplished with the prologue because Quince just told the whole story in it so there's no real point in seeing the play. The audience now, however, knows that no one really died.
61. How does Shakespeare use comments from the audience to enhance the humour of the play that they are watching?
He used the audience to point out the flaws of the play within the play and the errors that the actors had made in a humorous manner.
62. What is Hippolyta’s reaction to the play?
At first she was like " Oh my gosh! This play sucks!" and closer to the end she was crying and was like " This play isn't that bad! It's quite touching!".
63. In what way is Thisbe’s final speech humorous?
Thisbe's final speech is humorous because she says "Are you sleeping my love?" when he is clearly dead. We know this because he has a big sword sticking out of him.
64. What does Oberon tell the fairies to do?
Oberon tells the faries to bless the newly wed lovers.
65. What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech?
The purpose of Puck's final speech is to attract more people to come and watch the play. He talks to the audience and says, "If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here, While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend.". This means that if you thought that this play was bad, then it was only a dream.
Extending the thought process:
Find at least one example of each of the following that occurs during the play within the play. Write down the quote that illustrates example.
excessive alliteration
"Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade, he bravely broached his boiling bloody breast."
breaking the play’s illusion of reality
"No, in truth, sir, he should not. "Deceiving me" is Thisbe's cue. She is to enter now, and I am to spy her through the wall. You shall see, it will fall pat as I told you. Yonder she comes" Bottom says this directly to the audience.
using the wrong word or name
Pyramus: "Wilt thou at Ninny's tomb meet me straightway?"
repeating a word excessively
Pyramus: "Now die, die, die, die, die."
ridiculous metaphor
" ... That is the true beginning of our end."
a) In reading the play-within-a-play, we become the audience for the drama played out by Theseus, Hippolyta, and the others. These performers, in turn, form the audience for the reenactment of Pyramus and Thisbe. How does observing another audience help you understand the relationship between audience and performers?
It helps people understand what the audience thinks of the play while it is playing. It also points out the humorous, or not so humorous, parts of the play as well.
b) Modern television shows often create comic effects by having a silly, innocent, or “clueless” character and a sarcastic, knowing, clever character play off of each other. What examples can you think of?
Hannah Montana :P and totally spies, braceface.Lizzie Mcguire.
c) Identify ways in which Pyramus and Thisbe might be unsuitable for a wedding celebration. Are there any ways in which the play might be appropriate? In what ways is the play-within-a-play an ironic commentary on what the two pairs of young lovers (Demetrius and Helena, Lysander and Hermia) have gone through earlier?
It is unsuitable because the lovers die at the end. It's a wedding and the two lovers shouldn't die. It's suitable because it's a wonderful story full of emotions and about two lovers The play within the play relates to what happened with Demetrius, Lysander, Helena, and Hermia because they know what it feels like to loose their love.
COMPLETION 10/10 EFFORT 8/10 CONTENT 7/10 TOTAL 25/30
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Act I, Scene 1
1. How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus?
Hippolyta believes that the four days will pass quickly with little trouble, but Theseus thinks it will seem longer.
2. Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do?
He brings his daughter to Theseus, in hope that he will be able to force her into marrying Demetrius. Egeus expects him to give him the power to kill his daughter if she doesn't marry Demetrius.
3. What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia?
According to Egeus and Theseus, the proper for a woman is to marry a wealthy man, whether she loves him or not.
4. How does Lysander’s comment about Demetrius’s previous love affair with Helena complicate things?
It complicates things by proving that Demetrius and Hermia are not in love, which in the end makes Egeus realize that neither of them will be happy.
5. What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? Why do they tell Helena?
They plan to run away from Athens and get married. They tell Helena because with Hermia gone, she may have another chance with Demetrius.
6. Even though Helena loves Demetrius and is Hermia’s best friend, why does she decide to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander’s plans?
She does this with the idea that he may replenish his love for her, simply out of gratitude.
7. Identify Hermia’s basic dilemma. What are the choices outlined for her by Theseus and her father? What other choice does Lysander suggest?
Egeus and Theseus both want Hermia marry Demetrius. As she strongly objects to this, they give her two equally unappealing choices; becoming a nun, killing her, or marrying Demetrius. Running away to get married.
Act I, Scene 2
8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?
He belives that he is the worlds greatest actor and that he needs to play all the parts to make the show worth while.
9. In what way is this scene funny? Why do you suppose Shakespeare included this scene?
Because Bottom thinks he is too good and will scare the women, I think Shakespeare is poking fun at theatre.
10. Where are the actors to meet the following night? Who else is meeting there at the same time?
In the forest, to practise the play so no one will copy them.
11. How would you describe Bottom’s acting ability? What is Bottom’s own opinion of his acting ability?
Obnoxious, amazing.
Act ll Scene l
10. What does the reader find out about the current relationship between Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, from Puck and the first fairy?
That the King and The Queen have been arguing and it's best to keep them apart.
11. How have Oberon and Titania been involved in the past with Theseus and Hippolyta; why have they come to Athens?
Oberon and Titania both accuse each other of having affairs with both Hippolyta and Theseus and they have come to Athens to go to the Duke's wedding
12. What effect has their quarrel had on nature, on the seasons, on humans?
All of the seasons have been messed up and and there have been floods, which lead to starvation.
13. Why won’t Titania give up the changeling to Oberon?
Because her mother was a servant and became really close with Oberon, she also promised to take care of the child, and will not let the baby fall into Oberons hands.
14. What does Oberon send Puck to find?
He sends puck to find a flower which was hit with a cupids arrow and that will put on a persons eyes, it will make the person fall in love with the next person they see. Puck says he can girdle the whole world in 40 minutes.
15. What are Oberon’s plans for Titania?
Oberon plans to put some flower juice on Titanias eyes, and make her fall in love with a vile beast, this is Oberons revenge.
16. How does Helena react to Demetrius’s verbal abuse?
She doesn't react to it, she says D- I am sick when I look at thee! H-I am sick when I look not on you.
17. What is her response to his threats of physical abuse?
When he says that she is all alone, she says she is not because he is there with her and he is her world so everyone is there with her and it doesnt matter, she wants it to happen, she is in love.
18. In what way is Helena’s behaviour inappropriate for Athenian women?
She did not listen to Demetius, who is a man and in Athens women had to listen to the men.
19. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about Demetrius and Helena?
He tells him to put the juice from the flower in Demetrius' eyes so he will fall as in love with Helena as she is with him. Oberin pities Helena.
Act II, Scene 2
20. Why does Oberon want Titania to wake and fall in love with some vile thing?
It is a form of revenge. He is mad at her so he wants bad things to happen to her. Oberon also thinks it will be humorous.
21. Why does Hermia insist Lysander sleep a little ways from her?
She insists he sleep a little wqays of because she wants to keep her virtue as they are not married yet, and she does not trust Lysander as of now.
22. Why does Puck anoint Lysander’s eyes?
He thinks that Lysander is Demetrius because Oberon only described him as the "Athenian youth". He was carrying out his orders but made a simple mistake. He thought he was doing he right thing.
23. How does Helena react to Lysander’s sudden love for her when he awakens?
She thinks he is playing a cruel joke on her. She says that she is already saddened by how unwanted she is by Demetrius, and now she has to be on the receiving end of his cruel hummor. She says that she thought he was a better person, but she does not know he is dead serious.
24. How is Hermia’s dream a reflection of reality?
She dreams that a serpent is eating her heart and Lysander is just cruelly watching. This is a refletion of reality because Lysander does not love her.
Act lll, Scene 1
25. How are the actors going to keep from scaring the ladies when Pyramus kills himself or when the lion roars?
They are going to write a prologue saying that Pyarmus is really bottom and the lion is really human by making it clear that his face is shown through his mask.
26. How are the actors going to manage the setting/scenery such as the moonlight and the wall?
They are going to open a window having the moonlight shine through. If that fails they will have someone will stand with a latern that will represent the moon.
Puck has a donkeys head on his head which frightens people.
27. Why do the rest of the actors run off when Bottom reappears?
Puck has a donkeys head on his head which frightens people.
28. What does Puck plan to do when he follows after the other actors?
To follow them around and scare them.
29. How does Bottom react to Titania and the other fairies?
He is suprised that Titania still loves him after all the actors ran from his sight.
Because it not only applies to the fact that Titania seems to love him after seeing him for a second, and not knowing him, but it also applies to what happened with Hermia and Lysander. How he just she changed from loving Hermia to loving Helena in one second.
30. Bottom says, "…reason and love keep little company together nowadays." Why is this such an apt statement at this point in the play?
Because it not only applies to the fact that Titania seems to love him after seeing him for a second, and not knowing him, but it also applies to what happened with Hermia and Lysander. How he just she changed from loving Hermia to loving Helena in one second.
Act III, Scene 2
31. What does Hermia accuse Demetrius of doing?
She accuses him of killing Lysander in spite.
32. How are Puck and Oberon going to correct Puck’s earlier mistake?
They are going to put the love juice on Lysander's eyes so he will fall back in love with Hermia.
33. Why is Helena upset when Demetrius says he loves her? Isn’t this what she had wanted all along?
She thinks that there has been nothing that could have influenced Demetrius to love her, so he must just be playing a mean joke on her. It is what she wanted but not in this way.
34. Of what does Helena accuse Hermia?
Helena accuses Hermia of joining the men in mocking her. She thinks Hermia is part of this "Grand Scheme"
35. How close had Hermia and Helena been in the past?
They were best friends and were very close. Now Hermia thinks that Helena is a bad person and so does Helena.
36. How does Lysander treat Hermia? Why can’t she believe what he says?
He treats her like crap, says that he hates her and calls her rude names about her stature. She cannot believe what he says because she thinks nothing has happened that could make hre trust him.
37. Of what does Hermia accuse Helena?
She accuses her of stealing Lysander from her.
38. Why is Helena afraid of Hermia?
She is a coward and does not want to fight Hermia. Even though she is bigger.
39. What are Lysander and Demetrius going off to do?
they are going off to fight each other for Helena. Because of their new love for her.
40. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about the two young men?
He tells Puck to lure the men to a certain spot by pretending to be the other man.
41. What is Oberon going to do about Titania?
He is going to ask for the boy a final time and then change her back to normal by putting the love juice an her eyes again.
42. Why doesn’t Oberon fear the coming of day?
He and Titania are different fairies that still have their powers during the day.
43. How well does Puck’s trickery work?
Very well, he successfully leads the mortals around and puts things pack to normal.
Act lV Scene 1
44. How has Bottom adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies?
Bottom was confused at the idea of the Fairies loving him, but now he is going to milk it and enjoy telling them what to do.
45. What is Oberon’s reaction to Titania’s infatuation with Bottom?
Oberon feels sorry for her, and he feels guilty, since bottom is an ugly donkey. Oberon thought it was funny at first, but now he decided he wants to cure her. Only after he has the Indian boy in his possession.
46. What sort of explanation will Oberon make to Titania’s question about what happened to her?
When Titania starts asking questions about what happened to her, Oberon doesn't really give an answer, he avoids the questions, because he hopes she assumes it was a dream.
47. Why are Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, and the others out in the woods so early in the morning?
Theseus, Hippolyta, and Egeus, and the other people are out in the woods so early, because they are hunting, with their dogs. It is the day of Hippolyta, and Theseus's wedding, so they had to leave early.
48. What is Theseus’s first explanation of why the young people are asleep in the woods?
Theseus thinks the young people are asleep in the woods, because he thinks they woke up early to celebrate May day, and came to the forest for celebrating, because they heard he would be there.
49. What explanation does Demetrius make? Why does he compare his love for Hermia to an illness?
Demetrius explains that he is now in love with Helena, and not Hermia. Demetrius compares his love to Hermia to the example of an illness because loving her was like one, you eventually get over it, now that he loves Hermia he probably thinks it was a dark, and dull time. Basically something he was happy to get over with like any sickness.
50. What is Theseus’s decision concerning the four young people?
Theseus decides to override Egeus's wishes, by letting the four lovers get married to the people they want to get married to, that day at the same time as his, and Hippolyta's wedding.
51. Why can’t the young people be sure whether they are awake or dreaming?
They are not sure if they are awake, or if they are dreaming, because of all the crazy things that happened the night before, and before that, and how smoothly it is all working out now.
52. Bottom believes he too has had a dream. How is he going to use that to entertain the Duke?
Bottom is going to entertain the duke, by singing a song for him called Bottom's Dream. Bottom decides hes going to sing it for him either during the intermission, or after one of the important characters die.
Act lV, Scene 2
53. What opinion do the other artisans now have of Bottom since they think he is lost?
They are now really sad, they say he was a great actor and that 6 pence a day was what he deserved. They are crying.
54. What do they most regret losing by not being able to perform the play?
That they would have been payed so well, and that Bottom deserved to play for the Duke.
55. Why must the artisans hurry to the Duke’s palace?
He has already dined and it is almost time for the entertainment, and they haven't even gotten their costumes together.
Extending the thought process.
a) The fourth act opens and ends with Bottom at center stage. What is your opinion of Bottom’s character? How might he be the antithesis, or opposite, of Theseus’s character?
Theseus is great, he is the Duke of athens he is calm and doesn't want alot of attention. As Bottom is a low class attetion lover who wants to be heard by everyone.
b) How do most of the dreamers respond to the dream experience upon waking? Which character is changed permanently by the dream experience?
Most of the dreamers, barley remember it as a dream, and remembered it more as reality. Bottom was changed by the dream expeirence.c) In this act, several characters look back at prior infatuations with disbelief. What do you think Shakespeare is saying about love and infatuation?
Shakespeare is saying that love is like a rollercoaster sometimes it doesnt feel like it is worth fighting for, but it reall is.Act V
56. Why does Theseus dismiss the stories of the four young people?
He dismisses the story of the young people because he thinks that it's just a dream.
57. Why does Theseus choose to see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe rather than the other entertainments?
Theseus choses to see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe because he thinks that if someone does alot of work on something..shouldn't it be worth soemthing?
58. Why does Philostrate try to keep Theseus from seeing the play? What does he say is wrong with it?
Philostrate tries to keep Theseus from seeing the play because he says it's not good at all. They actors are just mere workers in Athens and aren't talented at all. It would be a waste of time to watch it.
59. What does Theseus mean by the lines, "For never anything can be amiss, when simpleness and duty tender it"?
It means that nothing can be wrong if you worked hard for it.
60. What is accomplished by having the Prologue tell the whole story that the actors are then going to enact?
Nothing is really accomplished with the prologue because Quince just told the whole story in it so there's no real point in seeing the play. The audience now, however, knows that no one really died.
61. How does Shakespeare use comments from the audience to enhance the humour of the play that they are watching?
He used the audience to point out the flaws of the play within the play and the errors that the actors had made in a humorous manner.
62. What is Hippolyta’s reaction to the play?
At first she was like " Oh my gosh! This play sucks!" and closer to the end she was crying and was like " This play isn't that bad! It's quite touching!".
63. In what way is Thisbe’s final speech humorous?
Thisbe's final speech is humorous because she says "Are you sleeping my love?" when he is clearly dead. We know this because he has a big sword sticking out of him.
64. What does Oberon tell the fairies to do?
Oberon tells the faries to bless the newly wed lovers.
65. What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech?
The purpose of Puck's final speech is to attract more people to come and watch the play. He talks to the audience and says, "If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here, While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend.". This means that if you thought that this play was bad, then it was only a dream.
Extending the thought process:
Find at least one example of each of the following that occurs during the play within the play. Write down the quote that illustrates example.
excessive alliteration
"Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade, he bravely broached his boiling bloody breast."
breaking the play’s illusion of reality
"No, in truth, sir, he should not. "Deceiving me" is Thisbe's cue. She is to enter now, and I am to spy her through the wall. You shall see, it will fall pat as I told you. Yonder she comes" Bottom says this directly to the audience.
using the wrong word or name
Pyramus: "Wilt thou at Ninny's tomb meet me straightway?"
repeating a word excessively
Pyramus: "Now die, die, die, die, die."
ridiculous metaphor
" ... That is the true beginning of our end."
a) In reading the play-within-a-play, we become the audience for the drama played out by Theseus, Hippolyta, and the others. These performers, in turn, form the audience for the reenactment of Pyramus and Thisbe. How does observing another audience help you understand the relationship between audience and performers?
It helps people understand what the audience thinks of the play while it is playing. It also points out the humorous, or not so humorous, parts of the play as well.
b) Modern television shows often create comic effects by having a silly, innocent, or “clueless” character and a sarcastic, knowing, clever character play off of each other. What examples can you think of?
Hannah Montana :P and totally spies, braceface.Lizzie Mcguire.
c) Identify ways in which Pyramus and Thisbe might be unsuitable for a wedding celebration. Are there any ways in which the play might be appropriate? In what ways is the play-within-a-play an ironic commentary on what the two pairs of young lovers (Demetrius and Helena, Lysander and Hermia) have gone through earlier?
It is unsuitable because the lovers die at the end. It's a wedding and the two lovers shouldn't die. It's suitable because it's a wonderful story full of emotions and about two lovers The play within the play relates to what happened with Demetrius, Lysander, Helena, and Hermia because they know what it feels like to loose their love.
COMPLETION 10/10
EFFORT 8/10
CONTENT 7/10
TOTAL 25/30